C-3-4 (Short-Term Visit Subtype) Korea Visa Guide | 2026

1. What C-3-4 Is

C-3-4 is a purpose-specific short-stay category under C-3. It is separate from tourism-focused C-3-9 and separate from short-term business visit channels, and it is not intended for long-term work or residence.

2. Eligibility Checklist

• Declared purpose clearly matches the current C-3-4 permitted scope.
• Travel timeline and intended stay period fit short-term criteria.
• Can prove financial support for the visit and return/onward intent.
• Invitation or host documents are credible where required.
• No unresolved immigration violations that materially increase short-stay risk.

3. Criteria Summary

• C-3-4 is not a points-based category.
• Review is purpose-credibility driven with strong focus on document consistency.
• Using C-3-4 for out-of-scope activity is a frequent refusal trigger.
• Always verify current C-3 subtype boundaries before filing.

4. Salary and Contract Rules

• C-3-4 does not use long-stay employment salary-threshold logic.
• Ordinary paid employment generally requires a different work-authorized status.
• If invitation/contract documents are submitted, they must support temporary permitted activity only.
• Unclear role or compensation language can trigger enhanced scrutiny.

5. Employer and Workplace Change Rules

• C-3-4 is not a standard employer-sponsored work status.
• Stay is tied to the declared temporary purpose and evidence submitted.
• Material changes in activity scope after issuance may require authority confirmation.
• Repeated short-stay entries can raise de facto work/long-stay concerns.

6. Required Documents

• Application form + passport + photo + applicable fee proof.
• Purpose-specific evidence supporting C-3-4 eligibility.
• Travel itinerary and return/onward travel proof.
• Financial support documents for the stay period.
• Any additional mission-specific supporting documents requested.

7. Fees and Processing

• C-3 issuance fees follow official short-stay visa schedules.
• Processing time varies by mission workload and case profile.
• Purpose-document ambiguity often leads to supplement requests.
• Apply with practical lead time before departure.

8. Common Rejection Reasons

• Purpose does not clearly satisfy C-3-4 scope requirements.
• Supporting evidence is inconsistent, weak, or unverifiable.
• Financial/return-intent proof is insufficient for profile risk.
• Application appears to require another visa/status category.
• Filing relies on outdated C-3 subtype assumptions after guidance updates.

9. FAQ